Yokota derby girls keep on rolling

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Washburn
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Roller skates with a variety of colored wheels. An array of protective helmets, elbow and knee pads. A zebra-striped shirt, stop watch and whistle. By themselves, these items have little in common. Together, though, they form the key ingredients to the sport of roller derby.

The Scary Blossoms are Yokota's unofficial roller derby team comprised of both military members and civilians. The team recently held an inner-team bout between the Skeletons and the Reapers at hangar 15, July 27, 2013. The bout helped new individuals get use to playing an actual game, but with the comfort of playing with their teammates.

Although the team members share an admiration for their sport, they joined for different reasons. Whether it was a way to meet other people, to get exercise ... or because of a certain 2009 film starring Ellen Page.

"I joined the Scary Blossoms because of the movie 'Whip It,'" said Senior Airman Brittany Nicole Suarez, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare journeyman. "It showed me that all types of women play derby and are good at it. Since playing, my confidence is much higher and I feel stronger both mentally and physically."

Roller derby members have their own attitude and personality. Even though everyone is on the same team, they have free reign to express themselves. One touch of personalization that every derby skater needs is their derby name.

"Derby names are like your alter ego," Suarez said. "My name is Nikki Dropkick and I chose that because my name is Nicole and dropkick is from the band Dropkick Murphys. Some of the other girls just go with whatever sounds good to them."

The Scary Blossoms have a wide range of derby names including Dublin Rolla, Shear Illusion, Legally Loca, Deranged Phenomena, Quiet Storm and Violet Horror.

For Suarez, she enjoys being on a team of like-minded individuals.

"After a day of working in the maintenance squadron, it's nice to be with a group of all girls who are pretty much the same as me personality wise," Suarez said. "It's a great way for spouses to get out of the house and it's a great workout."

The sport of roller derby has changed throughout the years. Throwing elbows was acceptable in the past, but do that today and it would be a good way of getting kicked out of the game or off the team. That doesn't mean that the bouts don't get physical.

"It is a full contact sport," said Martha Collins, Scary Blossoms team member. "It's kind of like football on skates."

The Scary Blossoms are more than just teammates. They have become a family and a support group for one another.

"The best thing about roller derby is the camaraderie with the other girls," Collins said. "Knowing that you gave it your all and did your best and they're still going to love you afterword is the biggest reward."